Edmontosaurus Annectens, despite its large size, was relatively defenseless when it came to physical confrontations with predators. Unlike some dinosaurs, it did not possess any body armor or natural weapons such as horns or sharp teeth to fend off attackers. Instead, its primary means of protection was its sheer size.
Being one of the largest herbivorous dinosaurs of its time, Edmontosaurus Annectens would have towered over many of its potential predators. This size advantage likely served as a deterrent, making it less appealing for smaller predators to risk attacking such a massive and potentially dangerous prey. The raptor dinosaur Dromaeosaurus, for example, would have been significantly smaller in comparison to Edmontosaurus, making it a less formidable threat.
Another way Edmontosaurus may have protected itself was through herding behavior. It is believed that these dinosaurs lived in large groups, which would have provided them with added protection against predators. By sticking together in numbers, Edmontosaurus individuals could have effectively defended themselves against potential attackers. Predators would have faced a daunting challenge in attempting to take down a fully grown Edmontosaurus when facing a coordinated group of these dinosaurs.
While Edmontosaurus lacked physical weaponry, it likely possessed other adaptations that aided in its survival. For example, its strong, muscular hind limbs would have allowed it to run relatively fast for a dinosaur of its size. This speed could have been advantageous in escaping from potential predators, as well as in navigating through its environment to find suitable food and water sources.
Additionally, Edmontosaurus had a beak-like snout that was well-suited for efficiently cropping vegetation. This adaptation would have allowed it to feed on a wide range of plant material, reducing the need to venture into more dangerous areas in search of food. By having access to abundant vegetation, Edmontosaurus could have potentially avoided encounters with predators altogether.
Edmontosaurus Annectens relied primarily on its large size as a defense mechanism against predators. Its intimidating stature and potential for inflicting harm through sheer force would have discouraged smaller predators from attacking. Furthermore, the dinosaur’s ability to form herds likely provided added protection against potential threats. Despite lacking physical weaponry, Edmontosaurus may have been able to avoid confrontations by utilizing its speed and accessing ample food sources in its environment.